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Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a speech disorderthat can occur in multiple sclerosis. It is caused by weakness or lack of coordination in the muscles used in speaking.

Speaking involves the complicated interaction and coordination of several parts of the body, such as the lungs, diaphragm, vocal cords, lips, tongue and nasal cavity. Damage caused by MS to the areas of the central nervous systemthat control any of these elements can have an effect on speech. Similarly, fatigue or weakness can affect any part of the process. This can lead to problems such as slurred speech or difficulty in controlling volume, articulation or intonation.